BELLEVILLE – In an effort to streamline government services and save taxpayer dollars state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, passed legislation that gives counties the ability to reduce the number of elections judges during primary elections.

“With many families struggling to get by it’s essential that we are working to streamline services and reduce the burden on taxpayers,” Hoffman said. “This proposal will save taxpayers money while also ensuring that services during primary elections remain adequate.”

Hoffman passed House Bill 539, which allows county boards to reduce the number of election judges from 5 to 3 for primary elections. It does not apply to municipalities with boards of election commissioners. The proposal is aimed to help save taxpayer dollars and only applies to primary elections.

“This bipartisan proposal is just one way that we can work toward more efficient and responsible government,” Hoffman said. “I would like to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting this proposal and urge the governor to sign this bill.”

House Bill received bipartisan support and passed both the House and Senate. It is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.